Plano Statutory Rape Defense Lawyer

The law in Texas is quite clear regarding the crime of statutory rape.
It is illegal for any adult (18 years of age or older) to have sexual
relations with a minor (under 18 years of age). This crime will not consider
whether the sexual act was consensual. Because this is a
sex crime, even an accusation of statutory rape can have devastating consequences
on a person’s life. Get the help of the Wilder Law Firm right away.

Understanding Legal Consent

Minors are legally incapable of consent to sexual acts. Statutory rape
does not require there to be any acts of violence associated with the
crime. If the specific situation does include violent behavior, the aggrieved
party may also file charges of battery and/or assault.

Related Crimes to Statutory Rape in Texas

Specifically, statutory rape is defined as an adult engaging in sexual
activity with a minor that involves sexual contact and penetration.

Within the category of statutory rape, there are several associated and
related crimes:

Aggravated sexual assault: Defendant engages in an act that causes sexual penetration with someone
less than 14 years of age. This offense is considered a First Degree felony
and will lead to a prison term of a minimum of 5, no more than 99 years
if convicted.

Sexual assault: When a minor that is 17 years of age or younger engages in an act that
involves sexual penetration with a defendant that is three or more years
older than the victim. This is classified as a Second Degree felony and
is punishable by 2–20 years in prison.

Indecency with a child: The crime occurs when the defendant three or more years older engages
in an act with the victim of age 17 years or younger that involves sexual
contact (other than penetration) that is meant to arouse or provide sexual
gratification. This crime is classified as a Second Degree felony and
is punishable through imprisonment of 2–20 years.

Is Mistaken Age a Defense in Texas Courts?

Because statutory rape is a crime where the defendant’s knowledge
about the victim’s age is irrelevant, claiming that the victim lied
to the defendant about her age or somehow otherwise misled about their
age is not a sufficient defense to a charge of statutory rape.

Sexual crimes involving minors are usually not brought by the children
themselves, but by their parent or another adult with some type of authority
(i.e., a teacher). The charges may also be brought by the State of Texas.

Registering as a Sex Offender in the State of Texas

After being convicted of statutory rape or other like crime, the individual
will likely have to register as a sex offender in the state of Texas.
This public notification is generally considered a means to promote public
safety. The individual must register with the local law enforcement in
the city in which he resides.

Do not wait to get started building your defense against a statutory rape
conviction. Call the Wilder Law Firm today by dialing (214) 855-7737
and schedule a free consultation.

The information on this website is for general information purposes only.
Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual
case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt
or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.